Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 4:6

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying: This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel , saying, Not by might , nor by power , but by my spirit , saith the LORD of hosts.

So soon as Zechariah had owned his Nescience.

Christ.

Or this word of the Lord is to Zerubbabel, 'tis particularly designed to him, and in an Emblem prefigureth what a Church, how precious as Gold, how full of light, how framed, how maintained it should be by God himself. This Hieroglyphick is a representation of what the Church should be.

The Governour, on whose hand much of the care and trouble of building the Temple did lie; yet let him not be discouraged, for this work lyeth on God.

Or by an Army, as the word bears, Heb. you may think you shall need an Army to defend you in carrying on this Building, which ill will of Neighbours about you hindereth, but I tell you there is no need of an Army.

Courage and Valour, all which make Armes considerable, no need of this neither. Or might and power here may be of the same impor[illegible: 1 letter] and added only for elegancy and assurance of the thing.

Which garnished the Heavens and can beautifie the Church, which moved upon the darkness in the Creation, and brought forth a beautiful and mighty structure, and can do as much now; by spirit we may understand either the Third Person of the Trinity engaged in Building the Church, with the Father and the Son; or by Spirit you may understand the power of God. Either is encouragement enough, and secureth the future effect, and promiseth a future State of the Church, pure and precious as Gold, full of knowledge in the Doctrines of God, as this Candlestick with seven Lamps full of Holiness from abundant measures of Grace, persevering in it by continued supplies from the Spirit of Grace in Ordinances, &c.

Marginal references: Or, army.